GM Trademarks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire Wisconsin
GM Trademarks
So I went to my local engraver this morning to inquire about getting a few things laser etched on acrylic. I was told he could not do it unless I got permission from GM to use the C5 logo and the ZO6 logo 
Question is, how do I go about getting permission from GM ?
Gunny
Question is, how do I go about getting permission from GM ?
Gunny
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 0
From: Big Bear City CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
So I went to my local engraver this morning to inquire about getting a few things laser etched on acrylic. I was told he could not do it unless I got permission from GM to use the C5 logo and the ZO6 logo
Question is, how do I go about getting permission from GM ?
Gunny
Question is, how do I go about getting permission from GM ?
Gunny
You have to pay GM for such "permission". I was advised by one of the large retailers that such licensing is around $2k to get started, then royalties are due on each sale. I understand that you're not necessarily looking for Licensing Rights, but I highly suspect that this is the only form of permission available. You might just look for another engraver that's unaware, or less concerned about the legalities.
Good luck
Richard
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 10,783
Likes: 15
From: Hurricane Alley
If your just doing it for your car and not trying to sell them to the public then you shouldnt have any problems with having to get permission. In any case just alter the cross flags a little, like make the flag poles just a little longer, then GM cant do anything about it since its not exactly like theirs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by 02MillenniumVette
If your just doing it for your car and not trying to sell them to the public then you shouldnt have any problems with having to get permission. In any case just alter the cross flags a little, like make the flag poles just a little longer, then GM cant do anything about it since its not exactly like theirs.
It's a sad state of affairs, but trademark holders have to be ruthless in protecting their mark. The courts make no distinction based on intent. If they (the trademark holder) look the other way for something like this (which is completely honorable), they weaken their case in court if someone were to create a derogatory derivitive (e.g., modifying the C5 "halo" into a lemon).
PM forum vendor, Pipedreams, and ask him about his experience with GM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,573
Likes: 0
From: The AutoBuffs Army is unmatched in the Custom world! www.autobuffs.net
S. Jersey Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Just dont sell it and you will be fine
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,340
Likes: 24,779
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Here is some contact info that was posted a long time ago on the forum. Not sure if this place still handles it, but worth a call.
Try contacting Equity Management in San Diego, CA. They handle the licensing for use of GM logos. Point of contact is Rick Carmen (858) 558-2500.
He indicated that if the items are for sale only to club members and not the general public, there is no fee required.
Try contacting Equity Management in San Diego, CA. They handle the licensing for use of GM logos. Point of contact is Rick Carmen (858) 558-2500.
He indicated that if the items are for sale only to club members and not the general public, there is no fee required.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
It has always been my understanding that if it is for personal use ONLY there is no problem. To win a lawsuit they must claim "damages" - where are the damages? If this were not the case you could not even paint the word "CORVETTE" on the side of your car or draw crossed flags on a sheet of paper and tape them to your dashboard without facing legal action.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 2
From: "Man been singin' the Blues, since he began to till the ground"...Vancouver, USA WA.
I've seen "THE MAN" from G.M. bustin' a guys hump for SELLING rocks with a Bowtie painted on them at a local swapmeet.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
A buddy of mine went through GM to get some work done on his '66 STINGRAY with no luck. They turned him down. Seriously, what does extra advertising hurt?
GM can be az$ munches sometimes.
GM can be az$ munches sometimes.
